Kukis abduct Naga leader in Manipur

IMPHAL, April 17: The president of the United Naga Council, the apex body of Naga tribes of Manipur, was abducted today by suspected Kuki militants from National Highway 39 in Kangpokpi subdivision. The UNC chief, K. Paul Leo, was travelling to Imphal from Karong village in Senapati district in a passenger bus. Six Kuki militants stopped the bus in which Paul was travelling near Keithelmanbi village at 1 pm. They dragged out Paul and a Sema Naga couple travelling to Imphal from Nagaland. The Naga couple, however, was rescued by Manipur Rifles personnel later. The couple was escorted by Manipur Rifles jawans to Sekmai police station in Imphal West district. A source, however, said the Sema couple was rescued by Kuki students after negotiating with the militants. They were then handed over to the Manipur Rifles personnel. Paul's whereabouts are still not known. The news of the abduction has triggered tension between Naga and Kuki tribes. Additional police forces have been rushed to Kangpokpi area from Imphal under the command of deputy-inspector general of police (range) M.A. Rahman. Massive combing operations have been launched in the area to trace the prominent Naga leader. Sources said the Kuki militants stopped the bus and searched for Naga passengers. The militants identified Paul and the Sema Naga couple. Paul had left his village this morning to attend a meeting of the UNC here tomorrow. He is a powerful Naga leader as he heads the apex body of Manipur Naga tribes. Tension has been simmering between Nagas and Kukis since Thursday when a joint team of National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) and Kuki Revolutionary Army militants gunned down seven Kuki villagers of Awang Keithelmanbi village. They were charged with having connections with their rival, the Kuki National Front (Military Council). Armed clashes between KNF(MC) and the combined team of NSCN(IM) and KRA insurgents have continued in the area since then. Sources said the militants who abducted the Naga leader belonged to the KNF(MC). Reports from Kangpokpi said the KNF(MC) are demanding that the NSCN(IM) should stop arming the KRA in exchange of Paul.